Import and Export Clerk Jobs

Import and Export Clerk jobs involve working in individual Import and Export Clerk roles or as a Multimodal Clerk dealing with both import and export clerk functions. Export Clerks have to discover and satisfy the needs of overseas customers at a profit. Import Clerks seek out the most advantageous source for the goods they wish to import.

With a variety of job options within the freight industry, covering Import and Export Clerks to Export Supervisor and Manager.

Duties and requirements for import and export clerks

Import and Export Clerks may be involved with researching and finding the right partner to trade with, negotiating with customers, often in a foreign language. They are responsible for getting a license and paying for the goods, arranging for the inspection of the goods, arranging documentation and agreeing on final contracts and calculating what the goods will really cost.

Import and Export Clerks normally work regular office hours but may have to work overtime during busy periods.

Key to this role are good organisational skills, the ability to deal tactfully with customers, good negotiation skills, confidence with figures, an interest in economics, business and accounts and knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Import and Export Clerks can work for a range of organisations including freight forwarders, major retail companies, large industrial organisations, companies that import and export specialist goods, or organisations that supply services to overseas clients.

There are various ways of getting into an Import or Export Clerk role including joining straight from school with suitable GCSEs/S grades, through an apprenticeship, by taking a course with the Institute of Export or by studying for a degree.

They can sign up for various advancement courses with several professional bodies, such as the British Institute of Export. It is possible to be promoted from administrative posts to an Import or Export Clerk position, to a Supervisor and then Manager.